US condemns deadly car bombing in NW Syria

WASHINGTON

The US "strongly" condemned on Monday a terrorist attack near a marketplace in Sudju, near Azaz and the Bab al-Salam crossing in northwestern Syria.

At least eight people were reportedly killed and more than 80 others injured after an explosives-laden vehicle blew up in the city of Azaz on Sunday.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to all those harmed in this senseless tragedy," Morgan Ortagus, a spokeswoman for State Department, said in a statement. "As we have stated in the past, such acts are unacceptable by any side in this conflict, and attacks against civilians are never justified."

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the deadly car bombing.

However, according to a security source who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media, the YPG/PKK terrorists carry out such attacks but do not claim responsibility as they end up harming civilians.

Ortagus said "violence impedes the hope for a lasting political resolution" to the Syria conflict and Washington backs a nationwide cease-fire in the war-torn country.

The YPG/PKK terror organization, which continues to attack from Syria's Tel Rifaat and Manbij regions, often targets Jarabulus, Azaz and Afrin.

Since 2016, Turkey has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and to enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018) and Peace Spring (2019).

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.